HSC celebrates grand opening of new College of Nursing with lamp lighting ceremony event

[Link]The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth celebrated the grand opening of its new College of Nursing on Thursday with a ceremonial lamp lighting showcase event for special guests.

The event began with remarks from HSC President Sylvia Trent-Adams, Provost Charles Taylor and Cindy Weston, founding dean of the College of Nursing. Remarks were followed by a lamp lighting ceremony where attendees illuminated their Nightingale lamps, lighting the way to the newly renovated College of Nursing wing in HSC's Medical Education & Training Building. Attendees also received tours of the wing and HSC's Regional Simulation Center, where nursing students will complete their clinical experiences.

"Today, we are recognizing the impact nurse innovators have made on our profession," Weston said. "We hope our students will continue that legacy by lighting the way to new innovations that improve health outcomes for all."

Located on the fifth floor of the Medical Education & Training Building, the 10,500-square-foot College of Nursing wing features 18 private offices, eight open office workstations, a virtual interactive teaching room, a breakroom/lounge gathering space, an enclosed huddle space and a mothers' room. Designed by TreanorHL Architects, contractor Batson Cook Construction started the $5.5 million renovation in February and completed it in August.

HSC's College of Nursing offers degree programs for aspiring and practicing nurses who want to take their skills and careers to the next level. In August, the college's first students started classes in the Master of Science in Nursing Practice Innovation program. These nurse professionals already have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and want to expand their education.

"I love the opportunity to learn new things," said Kristin Haire, PhD, who is part of the new program and received financial support to cover her first year of tuition. "The MSN really encompassed that spirit in myself. As someone who is raising a family, it's huge to be able to pursue an education without added cost."

Applications are open until Nov. 1 for the Registered Nurse to BSN and traditional BSN programs starting in January. Fall 2025 applications for all BSN and MSN programs, including the new MSN in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, open Nov. 1.

All nursing programs at HSC are pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Applying for accreditation does not guarantee that accreditation will be granted.

To learn more about HSC's College of Nursing and its programs, visit www.unthsc.edu/nursing.

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